Description
A limited allocation tasting pack of Mel Chester's five brilliant 2023 single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from the Yarra Valley and Tasmania, including the coveted 98-point Pinot Noir of the Year, the Applejack Pinot Noir.
- 2023 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir
- 2023 Giant Steps Bastard Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
- 2023 Giant Steps Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir
- 2023 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir
- 2023 Giant Steps Coal River Vineyard Pinot Noir
2023 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir
Introducing, for the second year in a row, the James Halliday Wine Companion's Pinot Noir of the Year!
The Giant Steps Applejack Pinot Noir comes from the cooler climes of Gladysdale, perched on an east-facing slope in the upper reaches of the region, and is celebrated as one of the benchmark Pinot Noirs of the region. The Applejack Vineyard, planted by the renowned viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997, benefits from its high elevation and distinctive basalt soil, giving the wine its remarkable complexity and grace.
The 2023 vintage was a challenging one, marked by a cool spring and mild conditions, leading to one of the latest harvests on record. Hand-picked and crafted with precision, this wine incorporates 40% whole bunch fermentation, with the remainder fermented in small oak fermenters and stainless-steel vats. It spends ten months in French oak, 20% of which is new, allowing it to develop a depth of flavour and seamless tannins.
The result is a Pinot Noir that enchants the senses with its aromatic bouquet of wild strawberries, dark cherries, and spices, all interwoven with a hint of floral notes. On the palate, it is densely packed with fruit, yet remains elegantly light and vibrant, showcasing a perfect harmony of sweet fruit and savoury earthiness. Layers of spice and a whisper of woodsmoke add to its allure - it really is the complete Pinot package.
If you love Pinot Noir, do not hesitate over this outstanding release.
98 points & Pinot Noir of the Year
"2022 was a hard act to follow, but this superb wine gives it a shake. Exotic, aromatic and pure with its bouquet of wild strawberries, dark cherries, quince, spices and flowers. Densley packed, this saturates the palate, but, as always, it's light on its feet at the same time. Seamless tannins round out another benchmark for what's already a benchmark wine."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)
2023 Giant Steps Bastard Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
The 2023 Giant Steps Bastard Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is a significant debut for this storied vineyard in the Yarra Valley.
Planted by the legendary Ray Guerin in 1986, Bastard Hill sits on steep slopes with volcanic loam soils at elevations reaching 380 metres. This high-altitude site, once dedicated to sparkling wine, has gained a reputation for producing exquisite Pinot Noir. Its name reflects both the vineyard's challenging terrain and its potential for greatness, now being realised under the careful stewardship of Giant Steps and Mel Chester.
The 2023 vintage was marked by a cool growing season with a late harvest, resulting in grapes with excellent fruit concentration and natural acidity. The Pinot Noir was handpicked in two parcels and 100% destemmed before fermenting in small seasoned French oak vats. Fermented separately, each clone underwent a four-day cold soak and spent 10-14 days on skins. The wine matured in French oak barriques, with 20% new oak enhancing its complexity.
This Pinot Noir captivates with its aromatic bouquet of exotic red fruits, bergamot, rose petals, and a hint of lavender. The palate is poised and elegant, with notes of sour cherries and blood oranges flowing seamlessly over a fine thread of acidity. The wine is both delicate and persistent, with silky tannins providing structure and length.
This release marks a promising new chapter for Bastard Hill, showcasing the vineyard’s unique character and the meticulous craftsmanship of the Giant Steps team.
97 points
"Made with 20% whole bunches. All D clones. Matured in barriques (20% new). A light, very bright crimson. Smells like a rose garden with a little lavender thrown in! You'll also find aromas of sour cherries and blood oranges. Poised, elegant and persistent, this flows mellifluously across the palate. A classic Upper Yarra pinot, driven as much by its fine vein of acidity as its silken tannins."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)
2023 Giant Steps Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir
The 2023 Giant Steps Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir is a captivating addition to the Single Vineyard series, showcasing the delicate and floral charm of its origin.
Nestled in Woori Yallock in the Upper Yarra Valley, this vineyard, planted in 2001 by Lou Primavera, is set on rich red clay loam soil, benefiting from the north and northeast-facing slopes. These features create a vibrant and aromatic Pinot Noir, renowned for its floral and seductive qualities.
The 2023 vintage in the Yarra Valley was notably cool, with mild conditions and abundant rainfall, leading to a delayed harvest. These conditions allowed for excellent fruit concentration and natural acidity. This wine, as with all the Giant Steps wines, is crafted with precision, involving handpicked grapes and a meticulous fermentation process. It contains 15% whole-bunches and was matured for nine months in French oak barriques, with 20% new wood adding subtle complexity and depth.
It's an elegant and delicate style of Pinot, with enticing aromas of wild strawberries, rose petals, and a hint of sage. The palate is plush and succulent, with silky tannins that enhance its drinkability.
Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future delight, the 2023 Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir is a simply beautiful expression of the cool climate Woori Yallock subregion of the Yarra.
96 points
"From Lou Primavera's 2001-planted vineyard at Woori Yallock; 15% whole bunches and matured in French barriques (25% new). A light, bright crimson. Aromas of strawberry compote, tamarillo, sage and rose petals. A little reduction and graphite too. The palate is succulent and plush with silky tannins, making this the yummo, drink-now, single-vineyard wine from Giant Steps in '23."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)
2023 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir
The Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 is a standout in Giant Steps' daring exploration of Yarra Valley terroir, capturing the essence of the region with remarkable depth.
Planted in 1997, the Sexton Vineyard sits on the north-facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges. Here, thin topsoil and a rocky clay base naturally limit yields, resulting in fruit that is intensely flavoured and tannin-rich. This setting is perfect for the G5V15 Pinot Noir clone, which thrives in the vineyard's warm, sunny conditions.
The 2023 season was notable for its cool spring and mild growing period, with one of the latest harvests on record. This allowed the grapes to achieve excellent concentration and bright natural acidity. Handpicked and fermented using a mix of whole bunches and destemmed berries, the wine matures for ten months in French oak barriques, a quarter of which are new, adding subtle layers of complexity.
This Pinot Noir is bold and flavourful, with dark cherries and plums leading the charge, complemented by hints of sweet spices and youthful tannins. The palate is quite punchy and structured, with ripe tannins that hint at its potential for aging.
The 2023 Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir offers a robust and expressive contrast to some of the more delicate offerings from Giant Steps, and is simply a must-try for Pinot lovers.
97 points
"Aromas of kirsch, damson plums, licorice root and spices; this heady, concentrated wine has a lot of meat on the bones, with ripe, persistent tannins boding well for the future. A great contrast to the more delicate Giant Steps wines such as Bastard Hill and Primavera."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)
2023 Giant Steps Coal River Vineyard Pinot Noir
The 2023 Giant Steps Coal River Pinot Noir is a rich and powerful expression of Pinot Noir from Tasmania's Coal River Valley.
Sourced from the Nocton vineyard, this wine reflects the unique terroir of southern Tasmania, where long sunlight hours and cool temperatures contribute to an impressive depth of flavour and colour. Giant Steps’ winemaker, Melanie Chester, and her team have crafted this wine with their signature approach, while also embracing the distinct characteristics of this remote region.
The 2023 season was cool and wet, providing ideal conditions for slow ripening and resulting in generous, healthy bunches. Handpicked and swiftly transported across the Bass Strait, the grapes arrived in Healesville fresh and vibrant. The winemaking process involved both whole-bunch and destemmed fermentation in a mix of open oak and stainless-steel fermenters. The wine was then matured for eight months in French oak barriques, 25% of which were new, to enhance its complexity.
Expect aromas of dark fruits, violets, sarsaparilla, and bay leaf. The palate is richly fruited with layers of dark berries and a hint of spice, complemented by firm tannins and a bright acidity. The result is a wine of remarkable density and texture, with a powerful presence that promises to age gracefully.
The 2023 Giant Steps Coal River Pinot Noir is a compelling addition to the Giant Steps range, offering a taste of Tasmania's unique viticultural landscape.
95 points
"From the Nocton vineyard in the Coal River Valley. Hand picked into a refrigerated container by 10.30am to make the boat to the mainland; 20% whole bunches, 35% new barriques. A deep crimson purple. With its aromas dark fruits, sarsaparilla, violets and bay leaf, this is the big personality in the Giant Step's pinot range! Equally flamboyant on the palate, which is richly fruited and balanced with ripe, muscular tannins ensuring this will be long lived, too."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)
Giant Steps
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